sentenced to prison because he was implicated by being involved when it happened .
I was there when Lincoln graduated from a special education school — and as normal in his life his grandmother came late and missed it . His mother had been murdered years ago and his grandmother was his legal guardian . Lincoln was one of the first youth to be involved in our founding of the Precious Blood Center , located at that time at 47 th and Damen . He was also involved in a small street gang calling themselves Pimp Set on 49 th Place . When we moved the Center to our present location , he helped with the painting and setting things up . During his incarceration we stayed in touch . He had written to me that he was determined to turn his life around when he got out .
A year and a half ago he was released from prison and now at age 30 lives with his sister in a different neighborhood ; his grandmother had passed during his time in prison . He got a decent job at a nursery and a few weeks ago told me that there were two 7-foot blue spruce trees the nursery would donate . With his help and some of our neighbors , the trees were delivered , holes dug , and trees planted in our peace garden all on one beautiful morning in the Back of the Yards neighborhood . That ’ s the story of one of our youth , Lincoln , who turned his life around — and today he is alive .
Death and life at the Precious Blood Center have taught me that all blood is precious . As it pours out in our streets , it is precious . As it keeps one alive through prison to freedom , it is precious . As it pumps through a wounded mother ’ s heart , it is precious . Even when it boil up in youth who live unruly , violent lives , it is still precious .
There I sat that Labor Day morning in our peace garden gazing at the statue of Mary holding the lifeless body of her son . I recalled Korry ’ s mama Tawanda , looking through the glass window in the morgue to view her son ’ s lifeless body . Two mothers in faith holding on , trusting that this is not the end of the story . In the shade of an uprooted and replanted living blue spruce reminding me of Lincoln ’ s uprooted and replanted life , I could hold on and face that day and days that lie ahead like the never ending flow of trickling water . Our living and loving , even should we die , never comes to an end .
“ We have to trust that the risk of loving is always worth taking .” - Henri Nouwen W
Choir Camp , continued from page 3 surprised and a touch nervous . He had always been resistant to integrating into the group . His interests were often different from the kids around him and he preferred to keep to himself . So the evening came and he got on stage and sang a popular song . He insisted on audience participation and made sure everyone was included . The whole camp rallied behind this performance . They were singing and clapping and cheering him to succeed . In another community , I fear that this young man would have been faced with judgment and ridicule and would have been moved to the outskirts of society simply for being different .
As I reflect upon my ministry at Choir Camp through the lens of Precious Blood spirituality , one main theme comes to mind . We are called to minister to an everwidening circle with open arms and warm hospitality . We are called to treat each individual we meet as if they are already a member of our beloved community — loved , respected and trusted regardless of background . The definition of hospitality is “ the friendly reception and treatment of guests and strangers .” Opening our homes and lives to guests and strangers can be overwhelming and difficult . If you are like me , you think of all the things that must be done first such as cleaning and cooking . When it comes to camp , I think of all the packing and organizing that must be done first . But once I ’ m there , we have the opportunity to receive almost 100 young people into our Beloved Community . They start as guests and strangers but become dear friends through Christ .
Whitney Houston reminded us thirty years ago : “ The children are our future . Teach them well and let them lead the way .” I am blessed with the opportunity to teach young people about community and hospitality . About treating all people with respect — even the odd kid at school . Choir Camp helps both campers and staff believe in a community filled with love and equality , a place that truly welcomes those from the margins . I know this place exists . I am a Choir Camper . W
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October 2016 • The New Wine Press • 9